I. Introduction: Unexpected Glory

Grace to you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

When you hear the word ‘glory,’ what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a celebration and victory, a breathtaking sunrise, or maybe a win after a close game. Jesus speaks of glory in a way that maybe feels upside down. His glory is revealed on the cross. That is our God on His throne, the place where He gives the edict, “You are saved! I have spoken.” That is where He is lifted up in suffering, to draw all people to Himself¹ and to give you honor.

The cross is a tool of torture, humiliation, and death. Yet to Jesus it is the ultimate victory, the pinnacle of Christ’s mission and purpose to save you. The cross reveals:

• The depth of God’s love.

• The cost of our salvation.

• The victory that transforms death into life.

II. The Hour of Glory

Jesus says:

The hour has come
for the Son of Man to be glorified.²

This is the moment He has been preparing for since His birth in Bethlehem. He is talking about the cross. “How can the cross be glorious?” To the world it looks like a symbol of defeat. For Jesus the cross has becomes the universal symbol of His glory and the emblem of the most epic battle in all of creation.

Isaiah prophesied over 600 years earlier of the Suffering Servant:

He was pierced for our transgressions;
He was crushed for our iniquities.³

This prophecy, fulfilled on the cross, shows the indescribable love God has for you. Jesus’ suffering was not a meaningless tragedy of unfortunate circumstances. It is the means through which our tragedy, our sins, were forgiven and our relationship with God is restored. It reminds us of the paradox: God’s glory is revealed in humility and sacrifice.

Psalm 27 proclaims:

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?⁴

Even in the darkest moments of life, the light of God’s salvation should shines from the cross offering hope and security. His mercies are new every morning.⁵ Even is the most desert-like conditions your life might bring. Life springs eternal.⁶

III. The Cost of Glory

Some of you might be aware of the events recorded in Numbers chapter 21. There in the wilderness the Israelites were plagued by venomous snakes as a punishment from God. When they repented God instructed Moses to build and lift up a bronze serpent on a pole. Those who looked at it in faith were healed.⁷ Jesus connects this Old Testament account to His own mission in John 3:

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.⁸

The bronze serpent offered healing to the Israelites in faith. The cross offers healing, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe. Both require faith, a willingness to trust God’s promise even when we cannot fully understand it.

IV. The Victory of the Cross

The cross is the path to victory. The cross is not the end of the story. Jesus declared:

Now is the judgment of this world;now will the ruler of this world be cast out.⁹

When He says, “the ruler of this world “ He means Satan. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeats sin, death, and the devil. His victory is ours. Psalm 22 holds the very words Jesus spoke from the cross. Written over 600 years before Jesus spoke them, they illustrate the journey from despair to triumph. The psalm begins with that haunting cry:

My God, my God,
why have You forsaken me?

But it ends with a declaration of hope:

The ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord.
All the families of the nations
shall worship before you.¹⁰

The Psalms concludes with the words:

… He has finished it.¹¹

The cross draws all people to Jesus, fulfilling God’s plan, a plan laid out before the foundations of the earth were laid,¹² to save you. This is the paradox of the Gospel: Through suffering comes salvation. Through death comes life. We as Christians carry our cross into the Light of Christ.

V. Living in the Glory of the Cross

The glory of the cross gives us the courage to live out its message in our lives. Galatians 6 Paul says:

Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.¹³

Boasting in the cross means embracing its values of humility, sacrifice, and love.¹⁴ It means:

• Forgive someone who has wronged you, reflecting Christ’s forgiveness.

• Serve a neighbor in need, embodying the selflessness of the cross.

• Spend time in Scripture and prayer, drawing strength from Jesus’ example.

As we make the transition today leaving the season of Epiphany and light into the season of Lent, we should think about how we can reflect the glory of the cross. Lent is a season of confession, renewal, and preparation as we get ready for the celebration of Easter. The cross is what guides our journey, reminding us of God’s love and the hope of resurrection. The glory of the cross is the light to the nations. It guides us “From Ashes to Glory.¹⁵”

VI. Conclusion: The Glory We Share

The cross is central to God’s plan of salvation. The bronze serpent in Numbers shows healing through faith. The psalms declare God’s light and strength in trials. The Gospel reveals the ultimate victory of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Remembering that we leave here today walking into Lent, in gratitude for the cross, knowing Jesus has called us to Himself and He gives us eternal life. As Lent rolls in think about how you can share the glory of that cross, and encourage others to come here to hear about our sermon journey this Lent called, “From Ashes to Glory.” Amen.

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